The Black List Podcast

Luminary

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The Black List founder Franklin Leonard talks movies with people who love them and people who make them. He and Black List Director of Community Kate Hagen speak with filmmakers, producers, and creators of all kinds, deep diving on movie watching rituals, sharing career highs, and revisiting highly regarded films from the Black List itself. Guests include: Spike Lee, Janelle Monae, Ed Helms, Lulu Wang, Jason Hehir, Rhada Blank, Bowen Yang, Katrina Longworth, Gabrielle Union, and many, many more.

  1. 4D AGO

    Canals Steven

    [Encore] Kate and Franklin sit down with Steven Canals, the brilliant mind behind Pose, to talk about growing up Afro-Latinx in the Boogie Down Bronx, why Cardi B is everything, and how a 2004 screening of Paris is Burning lit the spark that would eventually become one of TV’s most groundbreaking shows. They dig into the complicated, beautiful realities of intersectional identity, the tough questions that came up in the Pose writers’ room, and how Steven stayed true to his vision every step of the way. Plus, he drops some incredible answers to the Black List Pod questionnaire — including a wild (and amazing) mash-up of The Color Purple and Transformers. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst. This conversation took place in 2021.To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:  +Pose: fxnetworks.com/shows/pose +Paris is Burning: rottentomatoes.com/m/paris_is_burning +The Color Purple: rottentomatoes.com/m/color_purple +Terminator: rottentomatoes.com/m/terminator

    45 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    4D AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson: Break the Generational Patterns Holding You Back (How to Build Confidence, Responsibility, and Emotional Resilience) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Can you remember the first time you felt truly in charge of your own decisions? What’s one thing you picked up from your family that you wish you could unlearn? In this heartfelt episode, Jay Shetty sits down with former First Lady Michelle Obama and her brother, coach and mentor Craig Robinson, for an intimate conversation centered around family, resilience, and the lasting impact of love and connection. Michelle and Craig reminisce about the powerful values instilled by their parents, a deep sense of independence and unwavering family loyalty. Even through financial struggles, their parents cultivated a home filled with trust and safety, making it clear that family would always be a source of strength. Memories of birthdays around the kitchen table, houses bustling with extended relatives, and the steady presence of grandparents and cousins all contributed to a lifelong sense of belonging and support that continues to influence their lives. As they journeyed into adulthood, both Michelle and Craig relied on therapy, genuine friendships, and a strong community to help them face life’s transitions, grief, and the many complexities of growing up. Michelle shares how seeking guidance and embracing self-reflection, especially during moments of change, has been central to her personal growth, demonstrating the value of openness, adaptability, and continuous learning throughout every stage of life. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Foster Family Unity During Tough Times How to Nurture Independence in Children How to Unlearn Limiting Beliefs from Your Upbringing How to Create Safe Spaces for Honest Conversations How to Teach Empathy Through Parenting How to Balance Protection and Freedom as a Parent How to Normalize Therapy and Emotional Support Their conversation is a moving testament to the impact of compassion, authenticity, and purposeful living, a reminder that life’s greatest challenges can be met with empathy, courage, and hope. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.   Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!   What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:00 The Kind of Love Only Siblings Understand 04:15 What was the First Secret You Shared With Each Other? 09:53 Raised To Be Independent Children In A Loving Community 14:55 How Different Generations Celebrate Birthdays 17:00 How to Unlearn Your Inner Fears 19:47 The Fear Of What Could Happen Can Hinder Personal Growth 25:28 What a Childhood Encounter with Police Taught Me About Bias 29:35 Being Judged By The Color Of Your Skin 31:54 Racism Is Still An Issue 34:07 How to Raise Resilient Children 35:59 Don't Make Assumptions Based On Your Emotions 38:17 Don't Let Negative Thoughts Dictate Your Actions 40:48 The Power Of Good Parenting 48:41 How To Prioritize Being A Parent While Chasing Your Dreams 52:08 Parents Aren't Responsible For Their Children's Happiness 58:07 Focus On Cultivating Independence in Your Children 01:02:24 What Is Your Form Of Therapy? 01:11:08 Are You Doing Enough? 01:16:10 How To Become A Good Parent 01:37 What Would Your Mother Be Most Proud Of? Episode Resources: Michelle Obama | Instagram Michelle Obama | Facebook Michelle Obama | YouTube Michelle Obama | Books Obama Foundation  The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times Craig Robinson | Instagram  Craig Robinson | X IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. APR 16

    Ramy, Robin, Billy: Art, Identity, and Boundaries

    In a special Emmy-themed roundtable, Franklin and Kate welcome three powerhouse creators—Billy Porter (Pose), Robin Thede (A Black Lady Sketch Show), and Ramy Youssef (Ramy)—for an unfiltered, deeply personal conversation recorded just ahead of the 72nd Annual Emmy Awards. This episode breaks the usual format to let the magic of the moment unfold. The trio dives into what it means to bring their full selves to the screen, the evolving responsibility of the artist, and the lessons they’d share with their younger selves. (As Billy memorably puts it: “A b*tch has to have boundaries!”) It’s raw, real, and refreshingly honest—touching on identity, representation, and the complexity behind creating truly authentic work. As Kate says, “We just got out of the way and let it flow.” And flow it does. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst. This conversation took place in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:  +Pose: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/pose  +A Black Lady Sketch Show: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/a_black_lady_sketch_show  +Ramy: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/ramy

    52 min

  4. APR 9

    Adam Rippon Unplugged

    Olympic gold medalist. Figure skating icon. Self-proclaimed "dramatic monster." Adam Rippon joins Franklin and Kate for an unhinged and hilarious episode that covers everything from Molly Shannon obsession to curating the perfect skating soundtrack. The trio dives into Useless Celebrity History, shares pop culture hot takes, and gets wonderfully derailed during a chaotic movie quiz. Plus, Adam opens up about his first on-screen crush (spoiler: Zac Efron inHigh School Musical) and the very unexpected hobbies that moment inspired. This episode is pure gold — just like Adam’s medal. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst. This episode was originally released in 2020 To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:  +Superstar: http://rottentomatoes.com/m/1093874_superstar

    45 min

  5. MAR 31

    Director Cathy Yan (Birds of Prey)

    In this episode, Franklin and Kate sit down with visionary director Cathy Yan to discuss her dynamic approach to crafting action sequences in Birds of Prey. From blending practical effects with high-energy combat to her grounded take on VFX, Cathy shares how she brought Gotham’s most stylish mayhem to life. The conversation also delves into her journey from journalist to filmmaker, revealing how her investigative mindset influences her storytelling. Plus, Cathy opens up about her views on the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, the evolution of DC films, and—just maybe—a little tease about a Birds of Prey sequel. This conversation from 2020 goes deep on all this filmmaking, and genre storytelling, plus the art of making an oddball, feminist superhero movie that breaks all the rules. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst. This episode was originally published in 2020, behind a paywall. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.  Mentions: +Birds of Prey: www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/cathy_yan

    38 min

  6. MAR 24

    Filmmaker Radha Blank is the 40-Year-Old Version

    [Reprise] Franklin and Kate are joined by the incredible Radha Blank—director, playwright, rapper, and friend of The Black List. Her debut feature, The 40-Year-Old Version, premiered at Sundance and earned her the Directing Award, making an unforgettable mark on the industry. The film is a deeply personal and hilarious take on reinvention and artistic expression. Radha takes us through her journey—from playwriting and rapping to stepping behind the camera for her first feature. We also dive into her early cinephile roots, exploring the films that shaped her storytelling, from The Landlord to Cinema Paradiso. Plus, she shares the moment she realized film was her true calling, and how her mother’s love of cinema influenced her creative path. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst. This conversation took place in 2021. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:  The 40-Year-Old Version: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_forty_year_old_version

    52 min

  7. MAR 17

    Gloria Calderón Kellett and Tonya Saracho

    [Encore! ¡Otra!] Two powerhouse talents, one unforgettable episode. When The Black List teamed up with Hulu to launch the first-ever Latinx List, it was only natural for Franklin and Kate to sit down with two of the initiative’s driving forces: Gloria Calderón Kellett (One Day at a Time) and Tanya Saracho (Vida). In this classic conversation, the acclaimed showrunners discuss how their friendship fuels creativity, their commitment to uplifting the next generation of Latinx storytellers, and the impact of authentic representation in Hollywood. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst. This was recorded in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com. Mentions:  +Deadline, The Black List, Latin Tracking Board, NALIP, And Untitled Latinx Project Unveil Latinx TV List: https://deadline.com/2020/06/the-black-list-latin-tracking-board-nalip-remezcla-untitled-latinx-project-unveil-inaugural-latinx-tv-list-diversity-inclusion-representation-1202972696/  +One Day at a Time: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/one_day_at_a_time  +Hollywood Reporter, ‘One Day at a Time,’ ‘Star Trek’ Sub for Returning Originals on CBS Fall Schedule: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/one-day-at-a-time-star-trek-sub-for-returning-originals-on-cbs-fall-schedule  +Vida: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/vida  +Variety, ‘Vida’ Creator Tanya Saracho Signs Overall Deal With UCP: https://variety.com/2020/tv/news/vida-tanya-saracho-overall-deal-ucp-1234740022/

    53 min

  8. MAR 11

    Director Alice Wu Does Know the Half of It

    [Listen again]. Filmmaker Alice Wu joins Franklin and Kate to discuss her journey back into Hollywood as a queer Asian-American storyteller. She shares how Chinese-language films shaped her love of cinema, her time away from the industry, and the creative process behind The Half of It—a fresh take on the teen romantic triangle movie. From Saving Face, which was a huge hit at Sundance, to The Half of It landing on the Black List, Alice’s path is as inspiring as her films. Questions? Comments? Criticism? Hit us up on social media at @theblcklst. This episode was originally published in 2020. To learn more about The Black List, visit www.blcklst.com.  Mentions: +Saving Face: www.rottentomatoes.com/m/saving_face  +The Half of It: www.netflix.com/title/81005150

    1h 2m
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Hosts & Guests

Ratings & Reviews

3.9
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Black List founder Franklin Leonard talks movies with people who love them and people who make them. He and Black List Director of Community Kate Hagen speak with filmmakers, producers, and creators of all kinds, deep diving on movie watching rituals, sharing career highs, and revisiting highly regarded films from the Black List itself. Guests include: Spike Lee, Janelle Monae, Ed Helms, Lulu Wang, Jason Hehir, Rhada Blank, Bowen Yang, Katrina Longworth, Gabrielle Union, and many, many more.

Information

  • Channel
    Luminary
  • Creator
    Franklin Leonard | Luminary | Ninth Planet Audio
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ninth Planet Audio
  • Show Website
    The Black List Podcast
  • Provider
    Luminary Media

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